sprig

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a small shoot, twig, or cluster cut from a plant

   A sprig of oak leaves served as the warning sign.

2. 2
   noun

   a decorative motif shaped like a small shoot, leaf, or flower

   Each plate was painted with a blue floral sprig.

3. 3
   verb

   to decorate with small plantlike motifs or sprigs

   The potter sprigged the bowl with raised leaves.

From Middle English sprig or sprigge, of uncertain origin, perhaps related to Middle Low German sprik, 'a dry twig.' The ornamental sense arose from decorative forms that resemble a small leafy shoot.

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